AIM The aim of this study was to investigate whether individualized resistance training improves the physical mobility of young people with cerebral palsy (CP).METHOD Forty-eight participants with spastic diplegic CP (26 males, 22 females; mean age 18y 1mo, SD 1y 11mo) classified as level II or III on the Gross Motor Function Classification System were allocated randomly to progressive resistance training or usual-care control. Resistance training was completed twice weekly for 12 weeks at a community gymnasium under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Exercises were based on instrumented gait analysis and targeted muscles contributing to walking difficulties. Outcomes at 12 weeks and 24 weeks included objective measures of mobility (6-min walk test, instrumented gait analysis, and Gross Motor Function Measure dimensions D and E), participant-rated measures of mobility (Functional Mobility Scale and Functional Assessment Questionnaire), and muscle performance.
RESULTSThe strength of targeted muscles increased by 27% (95% CI 8-46%) compared with control group. There were no between-group differences in any objective measure of mobility at 12 weeks (6-min walk test: mean difference 0.1m; 95% CI À21 to 21m) or at 24 weeks. Participant-rated mobility improved (Functional Mobility Scale at 5m: mean 0.6 units; 95% CI 0.1-1.1 units; Functional Assessment Questionnaire: 0.8 units; 95% CI 0.1-1.6 units) compared with control group at 12 weeks.
Aim
To ensure hip surveillance guidelines reflect current evidence of factors influencing hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Method
A three‐step review process was undertaken: (1) systematic literature review, (2) analysis of hip surveillance databases, and (3) national survey of orthopaedic surgeons managing hip displacement in children with CP.
Results
Fifteen articles were included in the systematic review. Quantitative analysis was not possible. Qualitative review indicated hip surveillance programmes have decreased the incidence of hip dislocation in populations with CP. The Gross Motor Function Classification System was confirmed as the best indicator of risk for displacement, and evidence was found of hip displacement occurring at younger ages and in young adulthood. Femoral geometry, pelvic obliquity, and scoliosis were linked to progression of hip displacement. A combined data pool of 3366 children from Australian hip surveillance databases supported the effectiveness of the 2008 Consensus Statement to identify hip displacement early. The survey of orthopaedic surgeons supported findings of the systematic review and database analyses.
Interpretation
This review rationalized changes to the revised and renamed Australian Hip Surveillance Guidelines for Children with Cerebral Palsy 2014, informing frequency of radiographic examination in lower risk groups and continuation of surveillance into adulthood for adolescents with identified risk factors.
The review suggests that treadmill training is safe and feasible for children with CP and indicates that there may be some positive benefits in walking speed over short distances and in general gross motor skills. The provision of PBWS may be particularly beneficial for children with more severe walking disability (GMFCS III and IV). Further research is necessary before it can be concluded that treadmill training is beneficial for children with CP.
Poor hip morphology at skeletal maturity was associated with high levels of pain. Limited hip surveillance and access to surgery, rather than GMFCS, was associated with poor hip morphology. The majority of young adults who had access to hip surveillance, and preventive and reconstructive surgery, had satisfactory hip morphology at skeletal maturity and less pain.
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